A robust single-cable sensor array for oceanographic use

Simple, inexpensive and easy to deploy, pressure and temperature arrays have been constructed and tested in the near shore. A method has been devised whereby low data-rate sensors can be powered and send data over a two-conductor cable using time division multiplexing. Using this technology it is possible to rapidly deploy large numbers of sensors in environments that are impractical to instrument with individually cabled or autonomous sensors. Pressure and temperature data collected using two arrays in the surf zone are shown to illustrate the practicality of the deployment method and feasibility of the technology.